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Redox-active quasi-solid-state electrolytes for thermal energy harvesting
journal contribution
posted on 2016-01-01, 00:00 authored by L Jin, Wren GreeneWren Greene, D R MacFarlane, Jenny PringleJenny PringleThermoelectrochemical cells (TECs) are a promising and cost-effective approach to harvesting waste thermal energy. For the widespread uptake of this new technology and the development of flexible, leak-free devices, solidification of the redox electrolyte is key. Thus, here we report the first quasi-solid-state electrolyte incorporating the ferri/ferrocyanide redox couple within a cellulose matrix. The electrolyte with 5 wt % cellulose achieved an optimum balance of mechanical properties, Seebeck coefficients, and diffusion coefficients and supported power outputs comparable to those of the liquid electrolyte systems.